October Is American Archives Month!

2009 American Archives Month Public Relations Kit

The mystic chords of memory, stretch . . . from every . . . living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land . . . .

—Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861

President Lincoln’s eloquent reference to "the mystic chords of memory" resonates today as we celebrate the importance of archives. The American record has enduring value and America’s archives – in all their diversity of form and function – serve as its memory.

American Archives Month is an opportunity "all over this broad land" to raise awareness about the value of archives – and archivists. This 2009 American Archives Month Public Relations Kit provides basic materials that we hope you will adapt to make your own archives program more visible and more appreciated. [Read more of this message from SAA President Frank Boles.]

Supplementary Materials:

Download this one-page article, print multiple copies (preferably on a color printer), and make it available to young people who visit your repository. Or take it with you to distribute to students on your next career day visit!

Imagine yourself on an elevator with a friendly stranger who innocently inquires what you do for a living. You say with enthusiasm, "I'm an archivist!" The stranger gives you "that" blank look and you know she's thinking, "Say what?"

You and your institution may already have developed relationships with one or more reporters as
part of your repository’s outreach efforts. If so, American Archives Month is another opportunity
to take advantage of your contacts.

Photographs increasingly are viewed as important resources for unique information about many
facets of public and private life, of the natural world and the built environment, and of individual heritage. Whether
you work in a repository that handles photos on a collection level or you're sorting through some old family photos, here are some tips from
the experts on the care and management of photographs.

People love a good story, so use that memorable document, photo, or artifact in your repository to present a compelling explanation of archives and archivists. See some stories from the Wisconsin Historical Society staff that they used to advocate for the state archives.

Is your 2009 American Archives Month or Archives Week poster a design sensation? Do you have a great idea for an American Archives Month activity? SAA wants to hear from you! If you're willing to show off that poster or spread the word about your idea - you could win a prize! Check out the winners of last year's "Picture This!" contest for examples of successful entries.